The Viagra Myth: The Surprising Impact On Love And Relationships

In The Viagra Myth Dr. Abraham Morgentaler (a practicing
urologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School) shows us that
while Viagra has proved enormously helpful to many men, it has also
uncovered previously ignored aspects of identity and authenticity
in sexuality and relationships. Some men, for example, may fear
telling their partner they are using Viagra, yet still struggle
with the hope of being loved for their true self. Women who
discover their partner has resorted to a secret sexual enhancer may
complain, "I thought it was me who turned you on . . ." Viagra may
improve a man's sexual abilities, but there may also be a profound
cost involved.
If you or your partner is using or considering Viagra, or even if
you are only wondered what it might be like to have a better sex
life, this book is essential reading. It will provide insight and
instruction about the reality of quick-fix solutions, sexuality,
personal growth, and meaningful relationships.

Abraham Morgentaler, M.D., F.A.C.S., is an associate clinical professor at Harvard Medical School and director of Mens Health Boston. An expert in the field of male sexual function and dysfunction, he is the author of The Male Body: A Physicians Guide to What Every Man Should Know About His Sexual Health (1993) and has published in such prominent medical journals as The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, and The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Morgentaler, a practicing urologist and a professor at Harvard
Medical School who has done research on erectile dysfunction, wants
to explode the "notion of Viagra as an automatic solution, as the
quick fix to all sexual problems." He has no problems with the
millions of prescriptions of Viagra that doctors have make since
the drug was introduced in 1998. But he is effective at presenting
facts that are not so well known, such as that the drug works in
80% of men with performance anxiety but only two-thirds of men with
other types of erectile dysfunction. What he does best, however, is
to demonstrate how "a firm erection cannot solve deeper problems."
Each chapter describes a situation in which a patient who thought
that Viagra was the answer to his problems finds that there are
other explanations. In one, a man learns that his performance
problems have to do with the lack of trust he and his partner
share; in another, a man who thinks that Viagra will make his
sexual performance last the right time learns that "studies have
shown that humans average only a minute and a half for the sexual
encounters." Short bullet-point summaries of important information
at the end of each chapter and an excellent section of "Frequently
Asked Questions About Viagra" help make this book an important
resource for both physicians and patients who are contemplating
prescribing or using the drug, but who may be doing so for all the
wrong reasons. (Oct.) (Piblishers Weekly, August 18, 2003)

"...reveals for the first time the drug's popularity is waning
as it leaves a trail of broken relationships and shattered
expectations in its wake." (The Independent, 27 August
2003)

"...warns that the drug may be killing passion rather than
igniting it." (The New Zealand Herald, 28 August 2003)

"...argues that the drug's side effects are not so much medical
as emotional." (The Independent, 29 August 2003)

Viagra can help many men, asserts urologist Morgentaler (Harvard
Medical Sch.; The Male Body). But its cure-all-penises reputation
is only a myth. It is most effective for erectile dysfunction
caused by performance anxiety, less so for premature ejaculation
and for medically caused problems. Viagra cannot supply desire,
guarantee partner satisfaction, or rescue a relationship aground on
different issues. Moreover, secret use of the drug can raise issues
of trust and honesty with a partner. Yet there are effective
treatments for when Viagra fails-injections, implants, vacuum
devices, and couple therapy. Morgentaler's needed corrective is
readable and well organized, with case histories and summaries -
plus a chapter on gay relationships. Unfortunately, it lacks a
resource section, guidelines for finding a doctor/therapist, and
illustrations. A good general work on sexual dysfunction is
Lawrence Hakim's The Couple's Disease, and Robert Butler and Myrna
Lewis's The New Love and Sex After 60 is also highly recommended.
Morgentaler's books is a valuable if imperfect addition to
collections where Viagra books circulate frequently. (Index not
seen.) —Martha Cornog, Philadelphia (Library Journal,
October 1, 2003)

"A delightful and thoughtful book on a timely topic by a sincere,
wise, and experienced clinician. It is full of insights for men,
women, and couples, and is very well written. I recommend it
highly."
— Arnold Robbins, M.D., associate clinical professor of
psychiatry, Tufts Medical School, and Distinguished Fellow of the
American Psychiatric Association

"As a physician with vast experience treating men with sexual
dysfunction, Dr. Morgentaler explains the facts and the fantasies
about Viagra and erectile dysfunction in a way that every man and
woman can understand."
— Irwin Goldstein, M.D., director, Institute for Sexual
Medicine, and professor, urology and gynecology, Boston University
School of Medicine

"Ever wish you could listen to what men say to each other about
sex? Or better yet, listen in on a completely honest and open
discussion between your man and his doctor? Read this book and get
the inside scoop on sex, love, and Viagra. After this, you'll know
what to ask (and what not to say) to get the loving intimacy you
want in your own relationship."
— Bonnie St. John, author, Succeeding Sane: Making Room
for Joy in a Crazy World

"Dr. Morgentaler is a rare breed of physician: psychologically
savvy and perceptive about the way both men and women experience
love and sexuality. The Viagra Myth is an intriguing commentary on
the sexual notions of our society."
— Laura Berman, Ph.D., coauthor, For Women Only: A
Revolutionary Guide to Reclaiming Your Sex Life, cohost of
Berman & Berman on the Discovery Channel, and codirector
of the Network for Excellence in Women's Sexual Health

"This is a wonderful book that provides a new and unique
perspective on human sexuality. Women and men who read The Viagra
Myth will learn how sexual dysfunction impacts a relationship and
about the pros and cons of the drug Viagra. I will definitely
recommend it to all of my female patients."
— Jennifer Berman, M.D., coauthor, For Women Only: A
Revolutionary Guide to Reclaiming Your Sex Life, cohost of
Berman & Berman on the Discovery Channel, and assistant
professor of urology and director, Female Sexual Medicine Center,
UCLA School of Medicine

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